Around the World in 60-90 Minutes! The first Saturday of each month, the Arboretum offers a docent or staff-led tour of the Arboretum. Sometimes you will see New Zealand, South […]
Head to DeLavega Park to enjoy the full outdoor theatre experience! You can bring your own picnic basket and drinks to enjoy the picnic bluff area or check out concession […]
Travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and […]
The Downtown Santa Cruz Market runs year-round on Wednesdays, 1-5pm year round. Our largest and oldest market, it is situated in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, one block off […]
Santa Cruz Shakespeare invites you to experience Into the Woods, under the trees and stars of the Audrey Stanley Grove in Santa Cruz’s DeLaveaga Park this summer. The first summer […]
Santa Cruz is known near and far for its surfing legacy, but there is another water sport that finds a niche on our coast, with a similarly devoted following. Sailboats […]
Chardonnay Sailing Charters features a different local winery every Friday evening from May through October. Enjoy the fabulous wines provided and entice your palate with complimentary hours-d'oeuvres while taking in […]
This exhibition will feature master shaper, Bob Pearson's precisely fashioned replicas of redwood o'lo boards first created by the princes in 1885 and ridden at the mouth of the San […]
Get ready to ignite your summer night! Located on the 200 block of Church Street and Parking Lot #16, this summer series features live music, unique treasures and local flavors […]
Have a wheely good Thursday evening! Join the Civic Auditorium and Skater Things for open skate night Thursdays, offered on four nights throughout this summer. Free roller skate rental is included in […]
Enjoy an outdoor dinner celebrating the scientific wonder of our moon, sun, universe and beyond. Enjoy a chef-curated family-style dinner and discussion with planetary science educators from UC Santa Cruz […]
Santa Cruz Shakespeare invites you to experience Athol Fugard’s “Master Harold”…and The Boys, under the trees and stars of the Audrey Stanley Grove in Santa Cruz’s DeLaveaga Park this September. […]
The Watsonville Farmers Market is every Friday afternoon from 2-7 all year round at the City Plaza in Downtown Watsonville. Don't miss out on the wonderful locally grown fresh fruits, […]
Artists will be set up throughout downtown amongst street food sold by local restaurants and live music. There will be a chalk painting contest and more!
On the first Friday evening of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists. With a block […]
Live music, food and wine overlooking the Lester Family Vineyards in the heart of Pleasant Valley. Friday, June 13 from 5-8pm: Alex Lucero Band Friday, July 11 from 5-8pm: Bastard […]
The Santa Cruz Greek Festival returns to the 200 block of Church Street in Downtown Santa Cruz! This popular festival is admission free and features: live music, dancing, and amazing […]
Dorothy Alden Becker, featured in the current display honoring Santa Cruz as the birthplace of surfing in the lower 48, was a champion swimmer and one of the first women […]
The Watsonville summer outdoor Music in the Plaza concert series is back! Enjoy an evening of music outdoors. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics, then sit back and relax […]
Market customers appreciate the bountiful selection of top quality produce and specialty foods as well as the opportunity to connect with the farmers and vendors who produce it. Ninety vendors, […]
Established in 2009 with the City of Scotts Valley, this market has become a seasonal treasure to the local community and to those visiting the area looking for a place […]
The Westside Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday, year round at the corner of Hwy 1 and Western Drive. Here we serve the communities of the west end of Santa […]
Head to Roaring Camp Railroads to see a non-judged show of classic, muscle cars, hot rods truck and more from 1975 and older. Enjoy Roaring Camp’s western themed town, have […]
Docent-led tours of the Elkhorn Slough Reserve are every Saturday AND Sunday, at 10 am and 11 am. Tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis - visitors may sign up […]
Learn about the story of Big Basin: past, present, and future while wandering under the guardian old-growth redwoods that have seen it all! This program is a 1 hour walk […]
On this 2.5-mile, 2-hour family-friendly walk, you will explore the plants, animals, and geology of the Santa Cruz County coastal bluffs. Bring water, a hat, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and […]
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Event is free, day-use parking fee is $10.
This year, Roberts Ranch Vineyards is celebrating the French Provençal communal tradition of the Déjeuner d'Ouvrier, also known as the Worker‘s Lunch. This is a perfect time to grab some […]
The Scotts Valley Multicultural Fair is a free celebration aimed at broadening our understanding and appreciation for multiculturalism and diversity. There will be: Live musical acts from all different backgrounds […]
Come celebrate the vibrant traditions of the Latino community with mariachi, folklorico dancers, and a free beach concert. Enjoy Boardwalk rides and games plus fun food and beverage specials throughout […]
Acoustic musical guests make for a lively accompaniment to the afternoon! Enjoy a tasting of 5 of the current Roberts Ranch wines complete with abundant charcuterie boards! Meats, cheeses, crackers, […]
Go to the 22nd Annual Festival! It's the best little party in the Santa Cruz Mountains! Participate in an afternoon of tastings with local wineries & breweries, artist and craft […]
Enjoy a reception and dinner on the UCSC Farm followed by dancing in the Hay Barn! This event will feature music, appetizers, tours, and local wine followed by a four-course, […]
Fire. Food. Wine. Enjoy an unforgettable al fresco dining experience, featuring six authentic Argentine courses, expertly prepared before your eyes by Executive Chef Diego over a wood-burning oven and open […]
The Ocean Film Festival World Tour is back in 2025, celebrating 12 incredible years of inspiring, educating, and protecting our oceans. This annual event, which has touched lives across 14 […]
This event builds on the history of one of California's longest-running events. Santa Cruz has all things outdoors; surf, sand, and sun. From the historic lighthouse Santa Cruz Surfing Museum […]
Discover the charm of the Wee Kirk Market, a delightful new monthly farmers/makers marketplace celebrating local farmers, artisans, and makers in the heart of Ben Lomond. Held on the first […]
Every Sunday at Noon Experience a guided hike through an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 feet tall. Connect one on one with park staff. […]
The San Francisco Comedy Competition is one of the most prestigious comedy events in North America, launching the careers of people like Patton Oswalt, Robin Williams and Ellen DeGeneres. It’s […]
Apples grow all over Santa Cruz County and are delicious, hardy and loved for endless reasons. Celebrate them at the market where a flurry of activities ignites your pallet, curiosity […]
The Felton Farmers’ Market is a treasured weekly gathering May through October, now running for over 30 years. We appreciate the dedicated customers who call this market a second home. […]
Welcome back to Tuesday Night Live at the Wharf Common’s stage! Every 2nd Tuesday of the month, head to the Wharf for live music and games from 6 to 8pm. […]
Young the Giant is an American rock band known for their eclectic blend of indie pop, summery indie rock, and anthemic stadium rock, often drawing on the diverse backgrounds of […]
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Wednesday - Friday 12:00-11:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
This 90-minute, behind-the-scenes hiking tour takes visitors into Younger Lagoon Reserve adjacent to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Part of the University of California Natural Reserve System, Younger Lagoon Reserve contains diverse […]
Enjoy both the eating kind of salsa and the music kind of salsa! Local salsa makers are vying for the title of Best tasting salsa on Friday, and YOU can […]
Executive Chef Samuels and his culinary team create gourmet four-course dinners expertly paired with wines from the local Corralitos vineyard, Alfaro Family Vineyards. Purchase just the dinner or get the […]
Head to Esplanade Park bandstand stage and see a movie on the beach! The movie will begin at dusk. Bring your own low back chairs and blankets to get comfy. […]
Get ready to hike around an ancient seafloor! On this 1.5 mile hike through the Sandhills, which will last approximately 2 hours, participants can meander through sandy soils on the […]
Stroll the festival with friends and family, sipping exceptional wines from Santa Cruz Mountain wineries while admiring the artistic talents of over 100 fine artists. Sway to live music and […]
Bring your friends, family and neighbors and come out to enjoy good old-fashioned activities such as spinning wool, cheese making, wooden cow milking and ice cream making! You can even […]
Starting in April, on both Saturday and Sunday of the second weekend of each month, the City of Santa Cruz staff will lead tours of Loch Lomond Reservoir on the […]
Davenport goes beyond a beautiful place to get away from it all. Just minutes north on the Pacific Coast Highway, Davenport has stunning sweeping ocean and cliff views, the first […]
Whether you dance East Coast, West Coast, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Jitterbug, Balboa, Collegiate Shag or Blues you will find music, friends, and food while you improve your dancing digs! All […]
Treat yourself to an evening of fun and relaxation at Roaring Camp's Redwood Evening Dinner Train Party. Start with a hearty BBQ dinner while you enjoy live musical entertainment. After, […]
On this hike you will be discovering the natural history of Wilder Ranch as well as the people and forces that shaped it. Be prepared to explore for 5 hours […]
The Santa Cruz Antique Faire is on the 2nd Sunday of every month from 9am-5pm, weather permitting. Vendors offer an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items, vintage clothing, collectibles […]
Head to Woodhouse Brews for a day full of cultura, sabor, and joy! There will be local arts vendors, live music and dance, and flavors from across Latin America for […]
Head to the beautiful Seascape Golf Club to peruse local artisans and local food for one evening only!
Join the sea otter scientists from Sea Otter Savvy to learn about the important role this keystone species plays in Monterey Bay marine ecosystems. As a bonus, the scientists will […]
Head to Skypark in Scotts Valley for the area’s largest food truck festival! Lots of excitement, more food vendors, the fabulous SVEF Beer & Wine Garden, amazing Live Music and […]
The Pu Pu 'O Hawaii Outrigger Club is ready to race! These short-course outrigger races are designed especially for the new or novice paddlers. Come out and support the racers […]
The Stringed Instrument Roadshow is a celebration of handcrafted stringed instruments and the artisans who create them. This event brings together luthiers, musicians, and enthusiasts for a day of exploration, […]
Enjoy the Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market every THIRD Sunday in 2025! Featuring 40+ local makers & artists, this market hosts a wide range of locally handmade goods. Find some […]
This 90-minute tour is led by State Park docents who will share the history of the Castro family, and the two-story adobe hacienda built over 170 years ago. Enjoy a […]
Redwood Records presents a free street festival with live bands, DJ's, record swap, vintage village, family-friendly zone, food and beverages! and so much more!!!
The Surf City All-Stars are the only “tribute” group in which every member has played in The Beach Boys' band. Experience an unforgettable night of music featuring all the favorite […]
Join the celebration from 1 to 5 p.m. at The Penny Ice Creamery's 15th Birthday Bash being held on Sunday, August 24, 2025, on the 900 block of Cedar Street. […]
This downhill, coastal three-mile race is a great opportunity to run fast and take in the beauty of the Santa Cruz and Capitola coastline. Early Fall presents some of the […]
6:30 AM - 9:00 PM See website for details.
Enjoy the annual Live Oak Glass Pumpkin Patch, in the beautiful heirloom garden of the Live Oak Grange! The pumpkin crew at Chris Johnson Glass has been working all summer […]
Taste, sip and tap your toes as you sample local eateries, farms, breweries, vintners and musicians of the Soquel neighborhood! Enjoy kids' games, prizes and more!
This year, you will be able to walk from the first location, Junction Park, up Middleton Ave to the downtown Rec Center! Junction Park holds 4 live bands, beverage & […]
Evening train and dinner excursion departs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and travels along the San Lorenzo River through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to Roaring Camp. Upon arrival, […]
This is a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from the former First Lady of the United States. You can look forward to an evening of insightful conversation as Dr. Biden […]
The Ladybug’s Labyrinth at Mariquita Farm is open for U-Pick marigold harvests by individuals or groups. Hundreds of Chedi Orange Marigolds surround the labyrinth, making it a fun visual experience. […]
The “Music at Skypark” concert series in Scotts Valley returns for its 14th season on the last Sundays of August and September! Kiwanis and local businesses will offer food, wine, beer and […]
In "Us", the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk serves as the pivotal setting for the movie's opening and climax, representing the place where the protagonist Adelaide first encountered her doppelganger in […]
Come for great food and good vibes! Treat yourself to our mouthwatering specialty pub-style dishes, available for a limited time. They’re even better when paired with one of the Bay […]
Head to Downtown Boulder Creek to enjoy the 4th Annual Treat Walk where both artists and merchants will be handing out candy and treats to the kiddos. Although you are welcome […]
Bay Area ornithologist Jeff Smith will lead a short interpretive hike around Loch Lomond with a focus on bird identification by sight and sound. This free event is a great […]
The third annual VW Wharf Invasion is open to the public for everyone to come spend the day in the Santa Cruz area and check out some beautiful vintage Volkswagen […]
10:30 AM - 2:30, Saturdays and Sundays, October 4th and 5th, 11th and 12th, 26th and 24th, 26th.
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturdays and Sundays October 5th and 6th - North County; October 12th and 13th - South County; October 19th and 20th - All County
Get ready for a celebration of autumn's abundance at the first annual Harvest Festival! Enjoy a day filled with fun, food, and festivities under the crisp fall sky. This family-friendly […]
Performed by former World Irish dance champions, and featuring dancers from Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, 'A Taste of Ireland’ transports the audience through the story of Ireland’s tumultuous […]
Enjoy a quiet exploration of Quail Hollow Ranch, under the moonlight. On this one-hour guided hike on the lower trails, you can search for critters and meander through the forest. […]
Five Days. Hundreds of Films. 25 Years of Cinematic History. Experience the cinematic spirit of the Central Coast as the Santa Cruz Film Festival celebrates 25 years of movie magic. […]
Scream is a clever, suspense-packed thriller set in small-town California where a masked killer terrorizes teens with mysterious phone calls and pop-culture horror trivia. Blending scares, laughs, and sharp wit, […]
Mark the fall migration at one of the most beautiful places on the planet for the Monterey Bay Festival of Birds featuring field trips, workshops, family-fun activities, and keynote speakers. […]
Head to the Chaminade Resort and Spa as Executive Chef Samuels and his culinary team create a gourmet four-course dinner expertly paired with wines from Bargetto Winery (Santa Cruz, CA). […]
Do you love local food and farms? Want to get to know your farmer better and get a behind-the-scenes look into our regions vibrant working agricultural landscape? During the 2025 […]
Check out the Classic, Vintage and Retro Thunderbirds on display then stick around to enjoy fabulous shopping and/or grab a bite at one of the many fine local eateries with […]
Looking for an adventure through the beautiful trails of East Glenwood Preserve? Look no further! Whether you are a seasoned runner or just looking for some fun, you will enjoy […]
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturdays and Sundays October 5th and 6th - North County; October 12th and 13th - South County; October 19th and 20th - All County
Held at beautiful Aptos Village Park, Gourmet Grazing on the Green is a fabulous day of fine wine, craft beer, gourmet food and live music! Spend the afternoon sampling the […]
The Banff World Tour celebrates amazing achievements in outdoor storytelling and filmmaking worldwide. From the over 400 entries submitted into the Festival each year, award-winners and audience favorites are among […]
Enjoy welcoming the monarch butterflies back to the park, where they will spend the winter. There will be arts and crafts, active games for kids, live music, information booths on […]
Welcome the fall and its fading light with free pumpkin decoration! At this annual tradition kids and adults alike will sit down to celebrate the harvest season, the coming holidays […]
The Festival of Monsters is an academic conference on the social and artistic research surrounding monsters. The festival opens with Philosophy professor David Livingstone Smith, author of Making Monsters: The […]
Go see an exciting musical parade as 55 Northern California high school and junior high school marching bands compete next to the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in the ONLY […]
Head to Capitola to watch some amazing ladies do some long distance swimming races and surf contests! To the left of Capitola pier, keep an eye out for the long […]
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturdays and Sundays October 5th and 6th - North County; October 12th and 13th - South County; October 19th and 20th - All County
Enjoy the 27th annual Halloween Festival, including mask-making, creepy carnival games, All About Theatre Halloween performances and Thriller dance.
Experience an array of local wines, beer, and cider in the delightful outdoor garden at Alladin Nursery while listening to Alex Lucero
The Santa Cruz County Parks Department hosts an annual Floating Pumpkin Patch at Simpkins Family Swim Center in Santa Cruz, California. The event allows people to swim and dive for […]
Enjoy 13 days of frightful fun on the Santa Cruz Wharf! Take part in the Great Pumpkin BINGO Hunt, snap a photo at our scenic photo booth, and enjoy festive Wharf […]
Join the county Sheriff's Department for their annual Trunk or Treat event! Decorated Trunks, candy, games, food vendors and more! Free parking and shuttle service will be provided at the […]
Enjoy drinks (cash bar), a heavy bites station, a vampire DJ, dancing, a costume contest, photo opps and entertainment including fortune tellers & fire dancers!
Bring your appetite and join the fun as both professional and amateur chefs work their culinary magic and compete for the title of Best Chili!
Just in time for Halloween, head to the outdoor market with unique artisans while taking in the spectacular view of the ocean. This one-of-a-kind market will be held in two […]
The Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Passport is the ultimate way to explore the region’s award-winning wineries. This exclusive pass provides access to over 35+ participating wineries, each offering unique tasting […]
Celebrate Halloween on Saturday, the 26th with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and spooktacular Boardwalk fun! It's always free to enter the Boardwalk, but if you would like to receive a […]
Attention all ghouls and ghosts! 🧛♂️🕷️ Enjoy a hauntingly good time as you trick-or-treat your way through downtown Watsonville businesses! 🎃💀 Save the date and fill your bags with treats […]
Check website for times of operation.
It's your Fur Baby's time to shine!! Sign up your dog to model their costume on the Abbott Square stage during the Halloween Dog Costume Contest. Prizes for best costumes. […]
Put on your silliest, scariest or wackiest costume and join the Boulder Creek Downtown Trick or Treat on Halloween! Go by the Business Association table in front of the Sheriff […]
See community altars and live/dead performances. There will be family activities and a market of the dead. Celebrate this beautiful tradition featuring altars, live music and dance and hands-on activities.
Artists set up their easels on the wharf, shore, and streets of beautiful Capitola, to paint live for four days. You'll find hundreds of paintings on display, for sale, and […]
California King Tides are coming to the shores of Santa Cruz County this winter! These naturally occurring and predictable events are when the highest and lowest tides hit our shores […]
The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) is the only UC campus with a foundry. This Green Lab Certified feature of the UC system was created by UC Santa Cruz […]
Head to Downtown Boulder Creek to discover art and crafts for the season! Enjoy live music as you stroll and find tasty food and drink to purchase along the way!
Check out hundreds of sweet hot rods, street rods, vintage, muscle, custom, and classic cars in the Boardwalk Parking Lot. Free admission!
Kids enter free to the Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival. The festival features genuine sea glass and artist-made creations while benefiting our local marine environment. This year […]
Presenting the Downtown Santa Cruz Fall Wine Walk 2025! Enjoy the heart of the Central Coast to taste great wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains and beyond. Sip while strolling […]
Combining their love of ska, surfer rock, punk, tango, ragtime and Devo, the Aquabats bring the excitement of a 1950’s campy comic book to a concert stage! Expect costumed villains […]
Enjoy sipping local wines and beers while strolling through our charming shops and boutiques in Capitola by the Sea. Pre-registration includes: – Capitola Village Sip & Stroll commemorative glass – […]
Head to the Paradox Hotel for an Ocean Themed Art and Sea Glass Fair, with an edge! Vendors will be on theme with local art, ocean themes, sea glass like […]
Welcome to the magical world of Cinderella, coming to Santa Cruz this Fall!An enchanting story for all ages with a wonderful dose of humor, majesty of classical ballet and the […]
Go on. Earn that feast! Flat, fast out and back courses that begin & end on Delaware Street by the back entrance to Natural Bridges. A run with spectacular ocean […]
Wax is mostly known as a rapper. He is also a producer, songwriter, singer (kind of), comedian, and all around creative dude. He has been making music for many many […]
Daniel is best known for hosting and creating TOSH.0, which aired on Comedy Central from 2009-2020. The show showcased internet clips with the addition of Daniel’s comedic perspective. It was […]
Just in time for holiday shopping, head to the outdoor market with unique artisans while taking in the spectacular view of the ocean. This one-of-a-kind market will be held in […]
This is a walk-in Christmas display located in the midtown of Santa Cruz, CA. Their exhibit is very traditional: lots of Christmas trees, garlands, sleighs, an elf village, miniature village’s, […]
Bundle up in the tackiest sweater you’ve ever been gifted for the holidays and head to the redwoods! As you look through arts and crafts, you will be treated to […]
The traditional holiday parade is the official kickoff for the winter holidays celebration. One never knows exactly what to expect at the Parade, but you can be sure to expect […]
The Boulder Creek Winter Festival is a celebration of the holiday season, bringing together families and friends to enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment. From the enchanting tree lighting […]
The Lighted Boat Parade features 50 beautifully decorated power and sailboats parading through the Santa Cruz Harbor. Limited viewing is available from the Murray Street bridge, from the East Harbor […]
Get your friends and family together for a free event full of fun vendors, kid's activities, Santa, wine and so much more!
Learn about fascinating fungi and the basics of mushroom identification; just looking, not eating! Open to ages 8 and up. An adult must accompany ages 17 & under.
Get ready for a festive extravaganza at the Holiday Market Winter Wonderland! Building on the success of last year’s Splash with Santa event, The County Parks and Rec are bringing […]
Get into the holiday spirit and explore Santa Cruz’s creative heart at the Annual Winter Art Market, presented by the Arts Council Santa Cruz County. Enjoy live music, tasty food, […]
Experience the magic of the season at the Wee Kirk Holiday Market, a special evening celebration inspired by traditional European Christmas markets. Enjoy an enchanting night of festive lights, local […]
A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of […]
Get whisked away into the whimsical world of Toy Trains and enjoy this beloved annual pop-up exhibit at the MAH. Members of the Golden State Toy Train Operators will be […]
Come enjoy holiday decorations, Wharf specials and see Santa arrive on the Wharf by a vintage fire engine!🎅 📸Take photos with Santa! ☃️ Checkout Wharf Business Specials! ❄️Play in the […]
Sean and the Skinwalkers is a blues rock trio. Just as comfortable playing traditional blues as they are tearing through a psychedelic rock song, the common thread is always the […]
The 2026 celebration will be at the London Nelson Community Center and feature hundreds of fascinating species from the area, uniquely displayed in a re-created woodland habitat. This unique Santa […]
Attention chowder lovers! Taste the best at the 45th Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off! Sample chowder from Amateur Chefs on Saturday, followed by Professional Chefs on Sunday. Both days feature Boston […]
Get ready for the 4th annual Alfred Hitchcock Festival! There will be film screenings, food, drinks, and more! The Hitchcock Festival offers a rich tapestry of activities, blending screenings of […]
The Watsonville Film Festival promotes Latin and indigenous cultural traditions with free events for the community throughout the year.
Swap out your flip flops for running shoes and join the fun with this family-friendly race through the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! Run a 1k or a 5k, on this […]
Discover the wonders of mushrooms! Through wild mushroom exploration, cooking and cultivation demos, functional mushroom talks, and DIY workshops, the Santa Cruz Mountain Mushroom Festival offers an incredible opportunity to […]
